For a country only slightly larger than Wales, Belize packs in an incredible diversity of habitats from pine savannahs and Central America’s least disturbed rainforest to shimmering coral cays. This diversity, supported by a government genuinely committed to preserving Belize’s ecosystems and cultures, not to mention English being the lingua franca, makes Belize the ideal location for a family wildlife and conservation adventure. Hosted by Belize’s top wildlife scientists, rangers and marine biologists, as a family you’ll track endangered scarlet macaws, tapir and jaguar together, explore Mayan ruins and caves, go mountain biking, glamp beneath the stars, sail and snorkel remote pristine coral reefs, and experience the outstanding impact created by communities working in harmony with nature.
"Meet forest rangers and scientists to learn about the conservation efforts being made and the challenges they face, and how your visit directly supports this important research station."
Staying at a mixture of one of the country’s finest lodges, a private wilderness camp, a forest ranger station enhanced with luxury touches and steps away from a pristine coral reef in Belize’s southern cays, your adventure begins in the heart of the Maya Mountains. Here, for the next three days, you’ll be based at Francis Ford Coppola’s wonderful Blancaneaux Lodge. Set amongst the rushing rivers, pine trees and waterfalls of Mountain Pine Ridge, it’s the perfect base for exploring. Head out with local rangers on morning jaguar patrol; take a night safari through the Chiquibul forest in search of tapir, armadillo and tree porcupine; or go on horseback rides, canoe trips and hikes.
Leaving Blancaneaux Lodge, we’ll provide you with a guide and mountain bikes to explore red clay roads and winding trails to secret swimming holes in the Maya Mountains. Arriving at a spectacular luxury private wilderness camp, enjoy sundowners and a delicious campfire dinner. Next morning, board a skiff to travel along Challilo Lake past huge ceiba trees, searching for the beautiful but endangered scarlet macaw. Now, deep in the Chiquibul forest, you’ll eventually arrive at Las Cuevas Biological Station, located in an area of outstanding biological diversity that provides an important habitat for many endangered species. Part of the largest surviving tropical forest left in Central America, the area is home to an astonishing diversity of flora and fauna, including jaguar, puma and black howler monkey. Meet forest rangers and scientists to learn about the conservation efforts being made and the challenges they face, and how your visit directly supports this important research station.
After breakfast, a short drive will bring you to Caracol, one of the Maya world’s most important sites. Hidden in the rainforest, this stunning ancient city stands comparison with Tikal and Chichen Itza, and you’ll have the site virtually to yourself as you explore its incredible temple pyramids.
A thrilling helicopter flight now awaits to take you over the jungle and out across shimmering Caribbean reefs to Ray Caye. Named after the spotted eagle rays that are regularly seen on the house reef, this sustainably-run barefoot luxury private island boasts a prime location on the edge of Laughing Bird Caye National Park, Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes Marine Reserve, and offers world-class diving and snorkelling, including between April and June, the chance to dive with whale sharks. Swimming with nurse sharks, loggerhead turtles and wild dolphin are all additionally possible. Nearby Moho Caye, an idyllic palm-fringed private island also owned by the resort, makes a fantastic day trip that you can reach on the resort’s private catamaran. Far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Ray Caye is the perfect place to conclude your family conservation adventure.
